Catamenial device



Jan. 2, 1951 ELY 2,536,631

CATAMENIAL DEVICE Filed Sept. 20, 1947 IN V EN TOR.

Patented Jan. 2, 1951 CATAMENIAL DEVICE Helen G. Ely, Rutherford, N. J.

Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in catamenial devices andparticularly to that type of sanitary napkin which is relatively moreporous on one side than on the other.

As now generally constructed, devices of this type not only have theusual absorbent filler and the gauze cover which also serves as a meansfor attachment, but they are frequently provided with one side treatedto be less absorbent or provided with a relatively non-absorbent layer.It will thus be apparent that the devices may only be appliedeifectively in one way and if applied in the reverse manner, seriousdifiiculty arises.

One of the principal objects of my invention is to so construct asanitary napkin that no reasonably prudent person can mistake the properside to be applied to the body.

A further obiect of my invention is to so identify the non-absorbentside of a sanitary napkin that it can be detected in the light or dark.

A more s ecific obiect of my invention is to provide an inex ensivemanner of marking the respective surfaces of san tary napkins so thatthe cost of production is not materially increased and so thatidentification is positive.

Further objects and advantages of my invention will appear from thefollowing description of a preferred form of embodiment thereof, takenin connection with the drawing attached in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a catamenial device.

Figure 2 is a transverse cross section on the line 2-2 of Figure 1.

In the practice of my invention. I can use the standard availablesanitary napkin I0 hav ng a central filler IQ of cellucotton, crepetissue or other well known absorbent equiva ents. Such a fi ler isenerally supported by and surrounded by a loosely woven mesh gauze 14which terminates in unfil ed tab ends Hi.

My invention relates particularly to the improved tv e of sanitary nakin that now has a substantially imperforate or materially lessabsorbent surface or a non-absorbent barrier generally ind cated at l8.Such na kins must be applied with this surface outwards of: the body ifthe full absorbent value of the filler is to be realized.

The preferred manner of accomplishing this must be equally effectiveeither in the light or the dark. In fact, it is under conditions ofdarkness accompanied by partial sleepinessthat the user is most likelyto make a mistake and not realize it until an accident has resulted.

It is my plan to so treat the surface of the Application September 20,1947; Serial No. 775,242

cover I4 that either there will be a glow or phosphorescence so that itcan be seen in the dark, or light, or alternatively, by so using adistinctive weave or applied material, that the appropriate surface canbe detected by touch. In each case considerable care must be used toavoid materials which may be injurious to the skin, difllcult to applyor are inherently expensive.

Various commercial phosphorescent materials are available, of whichcalcium sulfide is an example and this may be applied by usual means toform an indicator spot generally indicated at 20. Such a marking is thusclear to the sight regardless of conditions of illumination.

I prefer however, to use surface type indicators that may be detected bytouch. For example, the indicator 20 may be formed by impressing size orglue or wax into the gauze H to give a hard, smooth, or distinctivesurface. Wax is 'most readily applied by passing the device throughsuitable pressing rolls or by merely passing the device under a liquidreservoir. Penetration can be avoided by apply ng the wax near itsmelting point, to a cooler catamenial device, so that the wax willcongeal in the same manner that wax candle drip ings congeal whenstriking a cooler surface. The resulting indicator is non-chafing andcan be detected both by touch as well as by sight.

If desired, two or more indicators 20 might be used for grade or qualityor size or capacity marks.

A still further modification is possible. A thread of distinctive touchcharacteristic may be woven into the gauze cover M. This does not appearto be as desirable though for it is relatively difficult to distinguishthreads by touch unless they are objectionable in size or othercharacteristics, and since it is more difficult to weave in a thread, itis generally necessary to continue it throughout the length of thedevice and it is more expensive as a rule. Colored threads have alreadybeen suggested but of course they are not distinguishable in the darkwhen it is most important.

It is quite essential thata distinctive feel or glow be utilized to clarly indicate one side of the device from the other. Preferably itshould be on the outer or less absorbent side. Various modificationswill undoubtedly occur to those skilled in the art and I consider thatmodifications are within the scopeiand spirit of my invention ascontemplated by the claims appended hereinafter.

I claim:

1. A catamenial device of the class described having an absorptivefiller, a gauze wrapper, and a relatively less absorptive barrier, andindicator means to determine the relative sides of the device, saidmeans being visually observable in the dark.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1 in which the indicator means is aphosphorescent material.

3. A device as claimed in claim 2 in which the 1 indicator means iscalcium sulfide.

4. A catamenial device as claimed in claim 2 in which the indicatormeans is applied to the device on the side adjacent the barrier.

5. A catamenial device of the apparently reversible type having anabsorptive filler, a gauze wrapper, one surface of said wraPPBr beingpreferably kept out of contact with the body, and

indicator means applied to the surface to be kept out of contact withthe body, said indicator means being visually observable in the dark.

HELEN G. ELY.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the .file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PA'I'ENTS Number Name Date 2,164,408 Joa July 4, 1939FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 534,946 France Apr. 5, 1922 543,761Great Britain Mar. 11, 1942

